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Learning to Play Golf Like a Pro: 5 Tricks to Improve Your Bunker Play

Playing bunker shots is something many new golfers tackle with a passion. You can watch professional golfers make bunker shots and they make it look so easy. But, when you try to do it there seems to be a margin of error that needs closer inspection. As you determine your next move you can make a few changes to your approach. Think about what you are doing incorrectly versus what you need to do to achieve the desired result. Here are 5 tricks to help you improve bunker play.

Let your stance guide you. In many cases professionals recommend you make your stance further forward. Some say it can’t be done enough. Your stance gives you balance and control of your shot. This can vary depending on the shot and where the ball needs to go. You can make changes to your stance based on where you feel you need more stability and power to drive your shot.

Your clubface should be open when you swing. Some players may not open their clubface wide enough. You want the face to be open when your club comes down to meet the sand. It may help to find good rotation in the clubface. This can help get you out the trap easier and sooner.

Aim to hit the sand behind the ball instead of the ball. Many players want to do whatever is necessary to get the ball out of the sand, including hitting the ball. But actually you want to hit the sand behind the ball (sort of). Doing so will help you get your club in the right position to push and lift the ball out of the sand. This can give height and lift necessary to get the ball out of the bunker.

Practice your technique once you learn problem areas to improve. There are various elements related to hitting bunker shots. When you can apply a few small tips to your setup and approach it can make a big difference. But you won’t see progress if you don’t practice.

Watch what the pros do and do it. It may seem easy watching your favorite pro golfer hit the ball out of a bunker. But notice their form and body movement. You can use this as a starting point to help you understand where you could use improvement.